Abigail O’Neill is a knockout Aussie with a trick up her sleeve for every form of chocolate craving. Since we’ve known her, we’ve been begging for this book, the recently released (and totally gift-worthy) Model Chocolate. Full of gorgeous photos in a sort of Bohemian layout, this book is a girl’s night in waiting to happen.

Abigail is one of our favorite raw chocolate evangelists. You can trust her to steer those cacao cravings in the right direction with her insights below and every single eat-the-page-right-out-of-the-book recipe in the new book. Win your own copy of a hardback version of the book just in time for the holidays, details below.

Superfood Chocolate is Tops for Anti-aging

When you think of anti-aging what usually comes to mind? Antioxidants like blueberries and green tea perhaps? Did you know that the two top anti-aging foods are cold-pressed olive oil and raw chocolate? That’s according to raw-food and longevity guru David Wolfe, anyway. I happen to agree with him. Cacao has the most antioxidants available in any known food.

Raw Chocolate is real Anti-stress food

Yes, raw chocolate really and truly makes you happy! It’s scientifically proven that cacao raises the level of serotonin in the brain and therefore acts as an anti-depressant, promoting an overall sense of well-being.

Cacao Chocolate = Satisfaction

Consumption of raw cacao chocolate is the ultimate delicious indulgence guaranteed to produce that super-satisfied feeling. Cravings disappear! Not only is eating raw cacao a delicious treat in and of itself, but it also sharpens the desire for other high-nutrient raw foods, such as green vegetables, salads, fresh juices and smoothies, which promotes better nutrition overall.

Raw Cacao is the Ultimate Beauty Food

Nothing will add to the radiance of your skin like cacao. Raw chocolate is packed with minerals, vitamins, good fats and antioxidants. Eating raw chocolate is definitely my number-one beauty secret.

Raw Chocolate for Nutrient Density

Chocolate is so “maxed out” with nutrients that I’d need to write another book to fully explore the topic! Raw cacao is rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, sulphur, potassium, manganese, chromium, sodium, phosphorus and even zinc – plus, vitamins A1, B1, B2, C, D and E, just to name a few.

The Ultimate Love Drug

Raw chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a natural chemical compound that is created within the brain and is also released when we are in love. PEA acts as a mild mood elevator and an anti-depressant, and it helps increase focus and alertness. Therefore, raw chocolate works wonders on your libido. Try a few raw cacao beans to note their aphrodisiac effects almost instantly!

Cacao for Boosting the Metabolism

Raw chocolate works hard and fast on your metabolism while nourishing every part of your body. I challenge you replace sugary desserts or snacks with some delicious raw cacao creations instead, and note the effects it has on your figure.

Raw-Chocolate making is fun

Apparently one of the best things you can do for your health daily is to laugh. Making raw chocolate is one of those feel-good healthy recreations which, when shared, tends to bring about lots of smiles and laughter with family and friends (especially when licking out the bowl). The Raw Chocolate Fondue recipe in my book is perfect for lovers, and it’s even more fun when shared in the bath! Having fun is something we should indulge in daily for longevity and wellbeing; add in chocolate and you have fulfillment in every sense of the word.

Chocolate for Heart Health, PMS and Restoration

Squeezing three into one here! Did you know that raw cacao chocolate is wonderful for heart health? Cacao stimulates circulation, and opening of the blood vessels. Raw chocolate is also the highest natural food source available for the essential nutrient magnesium, which is wonderful for the heart muscle and nourishing and restoring every muscle in the body. It’s also the best thing you can possibly eat for PMS. No wonder women crave chocolate at that time of the month.

Eating Chocolate can Save the Earth

In order to produce fair trade chocolate, farmers in developing countries are being employed fairly. This makes a huge difference to their whole community and reduces the need for child labor. Organic plantations must be kept free from disease, so cacao trees are grown amongst rain-forest trees, as it protects them from pests and creates the perfect environment for them to thrive. Isn’t it wonderful to know that we are actually saving the earth and the rain forests when we purchase raw fair-trade and organic cacao products or chocolate bars.

Win the book!

We’re giving away one copy of Abigail’s new book Model Chocolate! Leave us something, anything about your love of chocolate and may the best comment win….

I am a raw-chocoholic! I love the smooth creamy taste and the satisfaction of my cravings after enjoying this healthy superfood treat. Raw chocolate really satisfies unlike no other healthy treat and unlike sugar risen chocolate bars you are left satisfied and feeling great and not craving more. I am a superfood queen and when it comes to raw chocolate my cup cords are stocked with raw cacao, cacao butter and indulgent raw chocolate blocks. I would love to win the new model chocolate book as I have started creating my own raw chocolate treats and would love some guidance itch her book in perfecting this superfood treat

I have a little ritual where I eat a little raw chocolate every night after dinner or have a square with my green tea as afternoon tea. I do it every day and it is the loveliest chic little indulgence that always makes me smile! Chocolate is such a feminine food and we should really embrace it into our everyday lives! xxx

I love raw chocolate. I experimented with my own raw chocolate several times in the last few years, and as a Nutritional Biochemistry major (graduating in two days!) I can tell you that chocolate is indeed as healthy as they say it is (according to my professors)!

My love for chocolate stems for my love of making other people happy. Nothing brings me greater pleasure than to whip up a batch of raw chocolate truffles for my children………….and hubby and I laughing at the chocolate moustaches on their little faces. We’ve nicknamed our recipe “heaven balls”. Thanks so much for sharing this article xx

Raw chocolate, the sort of food that is super delicious when carefully mixed with specific ingredients which are skillfully measured to create a divine chocolatey product is complex beyond words. Since seeing Abigail’s masterpiece chocolate creations, I have been inspired to take cocao to a level never dreamt of. The raw chocolate cake looks unreal and yet so delicious that I would love to surprise that someone special with Abigail’s creations – healthy chocolate goodness!!

SO happy Raw Chocolate exists! Since I am a chocolatier and accidentally became raw vegan, I needed to know that there IS a hope, there are benefits of chocolate without the damage of fat and all the sugar. Experimenting a lot now, trying to get the best of the cacao and WILL plant my own Cacao tree one day! I will send you my own fresh raw cacao pod if I win the copy of that interesting book. 😉

Saw this in a “chocolate” store in San Francisco: If they don’t have chocolate in heaven, then I don’t want to go there! I am a preacher’s wife – and that made me laugh. But seriously, I love real foods that were designed by our maker to be good for our health and well being!

I never understood the obsession with chocolate as a kid. I enjoyed it enough, but always preferred fruity sweet treats. As I have discovered dark chocolate (85%-100%), I totally get it now. I eat a lot more chocolate now than I ever have. Now I’m very interested in trying raw chocolate! I just wish more local stores and farmer’s market stalls stocked it rather than having to order it online.

I’ve been looking for a healthy alternative to regular chocolate and this post couldn’t have come at the perfect time! Chocolate makes the world a better place. Healthy chocolate makes the world a happier place.

This article doesn’t explain what ‘raw’ chocolate actually is… “m&ms” are definitely not an example of raw chocolate nor are the chocolate chips in cookies some ate as kids. Real raw chocolate is hugely expensive in Europe where it sells in health shops for around €3 per 25g piece.